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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.